Nutritional Composition of African Catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) in Ghana: Effects of Culture Conditions, Feed and Processing

Abstract

ABSTRACT The African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) is central to Ghana's aquaculture sector due to its robustness, fast growth and reliable yields. Its nutritional composition, however, varies widely and is shaped by factors before and after harvest. This review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) framework to ensure a systematic and transparent synthesis of available evidence, with the PRISMA guidelines providing the structural framework for study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. This review summarizes available information on the species’ chemical makeup, emphasizing Ghanaian contexts. C. gariepinus offers 15%–19% high‐quality protein with a full essential amino acid profile and a highly variable lipid content (2.5%–15%) rich in oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids, though it contains relatively low levels of long‐chain omega‐3s compared with marine fish. It also supplies important minerals, such as phosphorus, iron and zinc, and vitamins A, E and B‐complex, although detailed local vitamin data remain limited. These nutrients are strongly influenced by feed quality, culture conditions and processing methods. Diet shapes growth and fatty acid composition, whereas environmental conditions affect metabolism and stress responses. Traditional smoking, widely used in Ghana, can reduce heat‐sensitive vitamins and promote lipid oxidation. Key gaps include the lack of Ghana‐specific nutrient profiles, limited evidence on nutrient retention during local processing and the absence of standardized composition data. Maximizing the species’ contribution to food security requires nutrition‐sensitive strategies, improved processing and targeted research.